The masterplan covering the lower Moorabool and lower Barwon River corridors is now complete, with $1.7 million of funding announced for high priority waterways projects in the region.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) final Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut masterplan, which has been in development for the past two years, was formally released by member for Geelong Christine Couzens on behalf of Minister for Water Harriet Shing in mid-February.
The masterplan, which builds on the 2011 Barwon River Parklands Strategy, seeks to connect people with the Moorabool and Barwon rivers, providing public access, recreation, education and economic opportunities while maintaining respect of place and culture and a focus on conservation.
The project area covers the length of the Moorabool River from near Meredith, through the Barwon River to Barwon Heads, including a section of Waurn Ponds Creek and the Ramsar-listed Connewarre wetland complex.
The $1.7 million in funding, part of the state government’s Greenlinks Initiative, will be used to begin several projects identified in the plan, including the revegetation of sites along the Barwon River, Leigh River, Moorabool River and Waurn Ponds Creek.
The projects will be delivered through a partnership including the Corangamite CMA, Barwon Water, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Deakin University and the City of Greater Geelong.
Corangamite CMA’s senior strategy project officer Andrew Harrison said engagement with Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Traditional Owners and relevant community groups was central to the project.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding, as it signifies a significant stride towards enhancing our environment”, he said.
“This corridor and these rivers are important to the local community and Aboriginal Traditional Owners.”
Visit ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/barwon-river-parklands to download a copy of the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut masterplan.
